Men’s Morning Mercies: Grace Grows in the Soil of Gratitude
I’m a big fan of the Grateful Dead. I believe their music comes from a place of caution, celebration, and contains truth and wisdom in every lyric. They come from a foundation of scripture and hymn songs and they reflect that in some of their tunes. Their band name makes me always reflect gratitude when I say it and is the reason for this article.
A joyful life of grace towards others grows best in the soil of gratitude. It’s in a thankful heart that God’s peace, joy, and kindness take root and flourish, transforming the way we live and interact with the world around us.
Scripture calls us to this mindset in Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Notice how gratitude isn’t an afterthought here—it’s central. When we live with gratitude, we reflect the peace and grace we’ve received from Christ. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we’ve been given, and from self-centered living to a life that overflows into serving and blessing others.
To put it in simple terms, gratitude softens our hearts and sharpens our vision. It allows us to see people as God sees them, making it easier to extend grace, even when it’s undeserved. And the more we practice it, the more natural it becomes to live a life defined by joy and kindness.
This principle reminds me as Grateful Dead fan of the lyrics from their song “Ripple”: “Let there be songs to fill the air.” The song captures a sense of awe for life’s journey and a commitment to sharing goodness along the way. The whole Dead experience embraces this ethos, creating moments of kindness, joy, and connection wherever they go. Gratitude becomes a lifestyle—a shared experience that binds people together and reminds them of life’s beauty.
As men of faith, we’re called to something even deeper: gratitude that flows from knowing we are loved and saved by Christ. This gratitude enables us to lead with grace, strength, and humility in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
Today, let’s pause and reflect:
• What are three things you’re thankful for right now? Mine are my Wife, my life; the God that has been there since the start.
• How can you extend grace to someone in your life this week? This goes for every single interaction you have period. No exceptions.
Remember, a grateful heart is fertile ground for joy, peace, and grace to flourish. Let’s choose to cultivate it.